Enjoy a winter walk

A free Festival of Winter Walks begins across the North East this weekend.

The Ramblers will be offering a range of guided walks between December 20 and January 4.

There will be short strolls to take in some Christmas treats, such as carol singers or Christmas markets, and heartier rambles for people to walk off the mince pies and help kick-start New Year’s resolutions.

The festival also caters for people preferring to step out on their own, with a library of favourite walks available to download.

Ramblers Chief Executive Benedict Southworth said: “Walking is great at any time of the year, we’re spoiled by our dramatic coastlines, rolling hills and stunning views, but there’s nothing quite like wrapping up warm and heading out with family and friends to explore Britain at its wintry best.

“Our walks during the festival are free, fun and open to everyone so put on your hat and scarf and join us as we head out into the crisp, clear winter to enjoy the season the way we know best, on our feet.”

Walking for Health, which offers a network of health walk schemes run by the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support, will also be leading short, free walks.

In Northumberland, there will be a ten-mile walk around Northumberlandia, near Blagdon, on Saturday. Participants should meet in the car park at 10am.

A seven-mile circular walk along the Wannie and Rothbury railway lines will take place on Saturday, January 3, setting out from Scots Gap car park at 10.30am.